The first patient has been treated in a clinical trial at Virginia Tech evaluating the safety and efficacy of using focused ultrasound histotripsy to treat oral tumors in dogs.
Histotripsy is an emerging technique that uses focused ultrasound to mechanically destroy tissue without the need for heat, radiation, or incisions. It is cleared by the US Food and Drug Administration for use in humans with liver tumors, and the research team hopes to adapt these advances for veterinary patients.
The trial is now recruiting up to three dogs with confirmed or probable diagnosis of oral cancer based on imaging, cytology, or histopathology. Participants undergo pretreatment imaging that will allow researchers to map a patient-specific treatment plan based on the size and location of the tumor(s). Then, the dogs will undergo one session of noninvasive histotripsy treatment under general anesthesia.
After the treatment, a CT and/or MRI scan will be taken to assess the immediate effects of the ultrasound treatment. Most patients will be able to go home the same day.
The following day, participants will undergo standard-of-care surgical resection to remove the tumors, which will enable researchers to assess the effects of the histotripsy treatment. Owners will receive $2,500 toward the cost of the resection surgery performed at Virginia Tech.
“It is our hope that this noninvasive approach may offer an alternative for dogs that are not ideal candidates for surgery or whose tumors are located in difficult-to-treat areas,” said the study’s principal investigator, surgical oncologist Joanne Tuohy, DVM, PhD, DACVS–Small Animal. “Our teams at Virginia Tech have multiple ongoing clinical trials exploring histotripsy in other tumor types and species, highlighting its potential as a versatile tool in veterinary oncology.”
The study is being funded by the Focused Ultrasound Foundation.
“Dr. Tuohy’s study contributes to broader research efforts aimed at improving cancer care in both animals and humans,” said Tonya Cherukuri, PhD, director of the Foundation’s Veterinary Program. “Naturally occurring cancers in animals closely mirror human disease, making them valuable models for translational research. Findings from this trial may help develop noninvasive therapies and expand treatment options for future patients.”
For Patients If you’d like to schedule a study screening appointment, please ask your veterinarian to initiate a referral. Note that the cost of the screening visit is not covered by the study.
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